What to Serve with Cioppino – 11 Yummy Dishes

Cioppino is a delicious seafood stew that is perfect for any occasion, and it’s not always easy to find a side that will complement its flavors.

But I’m here to tell you that it can be done! With a little effort and creativity, you can find the perfect dish to serve alongside your cioppino.

To push you in the right direction, I share a list of things that go well with cioppino in this article. I’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a side dish or an appetizer.

Best Side dishes for Cioppino

1. Garlic bread
2. Lemon broccoli pasta
3. Grilled or oven-roasted asparagus
4. Zucchini fries
5. Mashed potatoes
6. Potato salad
7. Mushroom risotto
8. Corn on the cob
9. Cornbread
10. Quinoa salad
11. Rocket and fennel salad

Garlic bread

Garlic bread is the perfect side dish for cioppino. The garlic bread soaks up the broth from the cioppino and the shredded cheese on top provides a nice, cheesy finishing touch. Plus, the fresh garlic in the bread helps to cut through the richness of the cioppino, making it a truly delicious meal.

Lemon broccoli pasta

Lemon broccoli pasta is the perfect filling and tasty combination as a side dish for cioppino. Not only does it add a pop of color to your plate, but the citrusy lemon flavor complements the fish and seafood in the cioppino perfectly.

The pasta is also filling enough to round out the meal, but not so heavy that it overpowers the main dish. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or just something delicious, lemon broccoli pasta is a great choice as a side dish for cioppino.

Grilled or oven-roasted asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with cioppino. Asparagus is quick to grill and can be cooked in the oven if necessary. The spears should be slightly crunchy, with a smoky flavor from the grill.

Asparagus goes well with other grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, and makes for a great side dish for seafood goodness.

Zucchini fries

Zucchini fries are a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with cioppino. They have a crispy coating and are tender on the inside, and they’re healthy too!

You can dip them in the cioppino or eat them plain. Either way, they’re a great way to enjoy your meal!

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. They are creamy and smooth, making them a perfect complement to the heartier flavors of cioppino. They are also easy to make, which is another plus when it comes to pairing them with this soup.

The delicious combo of creamy potatoes and rich, flavorful soup is sure to please any appetite. So next time you’re looking for a delicious side dish to pair with cioppino, mashed potatoes should be at the top of your list.

Potato salad

Potato salad is a staple in many American households and for good reason. Not only is it inexpensive and easy to make, but it also adds color, texture, and taste to any meal.

When served alongside cioppino, potato salad provides a creamy contrast to the rich tomato sauce. Its flavor complements the seafood perfectly, and the cold temperature helps to refresh the palate between bites.

Potato salad is an essential part of any cioppino feast, and I always make sure to include it on my menu.

Mushroom risotto

Mushroom risotto is the perfect side dish for cioppino. The rich, creamy rice pairs perfectly with the flavorful seafood stew, and the umami flavors of the mushrooms complement the other ingredients in the dish.

Mushroom risotto is also a versatile side dish that can be made with a variety of different mushrooms. Whether you use shiitake, oyster, or crimini mushrooms, your risotto will be sure to impress your guests.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and sophisticated side dish for your next dinner party, look no further than mushroom risotto.

Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes well with cioppino.

The sweet corn contrasts nicely with the savory fish soup, and it’s a dish that everyone can customize to their own liking. You can simply butter your corn and enjoy it as is, or you can choose to top it with cheese, bacon, or other toppings of your choice. You can also try something more adventurous, like chili powder or cheese.

Corn on the cob is a great way to round out a meal and add a touch of sweetness to an otherwise savory dish.

Cornbread

Cornbread is very easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It is also moist and delicious, with a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory cioppino.

Cornbread also has a short prep time, so it’s the perfect side dish for a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, it is so versatile – you can enjoy it plain, or top it with butter, honey, or even cheese. No matter how you enjoy it, cornbread is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

Quinoa salad

Quinoa salad is a great healthy side dish that is both filling and can be made to suit anyone’s taste. You can add whatever you like to it, but I usually include some combination of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and onions.

For the dressing, I prefer a tangy lemon vinaigrette that goes well with cioppino because the acidity of the lemon dressing cuts through the rich tomato broth of the soup. Quinoa itself is also a good complement to the seafood in the soup.

Rocket and fennel salad

Rocket and fennel salad is a healthy, fresh, and no-cook side dish that goes well with cioppino. The rocket leaves provide a peppery and slightly spicy taste, while the Fennel provides sweetness and crunchiness that compliments the soup without taking away from its flavor.

The combination of these two flavors makes for a delicious and healthy side dish. Rocket and fennel salad is also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in calories and fat, and it is a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any dishes that should not be served with cioppino?

There are no specific dishes that should not be served with cioppino, but it is important to choose sides that will complement the soup’s flavors. Creamy potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato salad, mushroom risotto, corn on the cob, and cornbread are all great options that will pair well with cioppino.

What wine goes best with cioppino?

Cioppino is a tomato-based seafood soup, so a fruity red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah will be the perfect pairing. The sweetness of the wine will complement the flavors in the soup, and the acidity will help to cleanse your palate between bites.

What is the difference between bouillabaisse and cioppino?

Bouillabaisse is a seafood stew that originated in Marseille, France. It typically contains fish, shellfish, and vegetables.

Cioppino is a seafood soup that originated in San Francisco. It typically contains fish, shellfish, and vegetables.

Both dishes are similar in that they are both seafood stews containing fish, shellfish, and vegetables. The main difference is the origin of the dish.

What does cioppino mean?

Cioppino is an Italian word that means “chop.” It is believed that the dish got its name because it was originally made with whatever seafood was available, and it was chopped into pieces before being added to the soup.

Conclusion

Cioppino is a delicious seafood soup that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of sides. When choosing sides for cioppino, it is important to keep in mind what will pair well with the soup.

Some great options include creamy potatoes, corn on the cob, cornbread, and quinoa salad. Serve your cioppino with a glass of fruity red wine for the perfect meal.